§ 6. Colonel Sir ARTHUR HOLBROOKasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the garrison theatre in Tidworth Barracks, the cost of which was subscribed by officers and troops of the garrison, has been handed 204 over to the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute, and is used as a cinema theatre; that there is a large cinema theatre adjacent to the barracks, specially built for the purpose, and for which the War Department is drawing a high ground rent; and whether he will consider the transfer of the garrison theatre to the garrison committee for the use of the troops, who are now deprived of its use for their own entertainments and dances for which it was constructed?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe Garrison Theatre, Tidworth, is rented by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes from the War Department as a cinema theatre, but the troops have the right to use the theatre at stated times for dances, concerts, lectures, etc. I am informed that the present arrangements are considered satisfactory.
§ Colonel DAYWhat is the rent?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSSpeaking from memory, I think it is £189 a year, but I shall have to have notice to give the exact figure.
§ Colonel DAYIs there any difference in the rent paid for the theatre by either of the forces that rent it?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSCertainly not. It is rented by a lessee, and the lessee is the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute.